Macedonian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Ingredients

In the Macedonian adaptation of the Polish dish "Rolada z modrą kapustą," we incorporate some traditional Macedonian flavors and ingredients. Instead of using the original combination of ground beef and pork, we use a mixture of ground lamb and beef for a unique and distinct taste. Additionally, we add a touch of Macedonian spice blend, which includes paprika, cumin, and oregano, to enhance the flavors and give the dish a Macedonian twist. We alse have the original recipe for Rolada z modrą kapustą, so you can check it out.

• 1 large head of cabbage 1 large head of cabbage
• 500g (1.1 lb) ground lamb 500g (1.1 lb) ground lamb
• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 1 cup (200g) rice, cooked 1 cup (200g) rice, cooked
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups (470ml) tomato sauce 2 cups (470ml) tomato sauce
• 1 cup (235ml) water 1 cup (235ml) water
• Olive oil for cooking Olive oil for cooking

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 5g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the outer leaves of the cabbage and blanch them in the boiling water for 2-3 minutes, or until they become pliable. Remove the leaves and set aside.
3. 3.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb, ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, dill, paprika, cumin, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
4. 4.
   Take one cabbage leaf at a time and place a spoonful of the meat mixture in the center. Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling and roll it up tightly. Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.
5. 5.
   Heat some olive oil in a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Place the stuffed cabbage rolls in the pot, seam side down, in a single layer.
6. 6.
   Pour the tomato sauce and water over the cabbage rolls, ensuring they are fully covered. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
7. 7.
   Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the cabbage rolls are tender and the flavors have melded together.
8. 8.
   Serve the Macedonian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls hot, spooning some of the tomato sauce over each roll.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cabbage — Choose a large head of cabbage with firm leaves. Carefully blanch the leaves to make them pliable for rolling.
• Ground lamb and beef — Opt for lean cuts of meat for a healthier option. Ensure the meat is well mixed with the other ingredients to create a cohesive filling.
• Rice — Cook the rice according to package instructions before adding it to the filling mixture. This will prevent the rice from being undercooked in the final dish.
• Tomato sauce — Use a good quality tomato sauce or passata for the best flavor. You can also make your own tomato sauce by simmering fresh tomatoes with herbs and spices.

Tips & Tricks

• To prevent the cabbage leaves from tearing while rolling, blanch them for a shorter time if they are too soft or for a longer time if they are too tough.
• If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling mixture.
• Leftover cabbage rolls can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• Serve the Macedonian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for added creaminess.
• For a complete meal, serve the rolls with a side of Macedonian salad and crusty bread.

Serving advice

Serve the Macedonian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls hot, spooning some of the tomato sauce over each roll. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Presentation advice

Arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls on a platter, placing them seam side down to showcase their beautiful shape. Drizzle some of the tomato sauce over the rolls and garnish with fresh herbs for an appetizing presentation.